Valley Porcupine

Valley Porcupine was introduced in 2002 by U.S. hybridizers D. and L. Smith (David and Leone Smith), based in the Western US.

Characteristics:

Form:

• Novelty Fully Double (NX): 'Valley Porcupine' is classified as a Novelty Fully Double form (ADS Classification: 7610). This unique classification acknowledges its distinct, non-standard shape, where the fully double florets are rolled, delicately incurved, and pointed, creating a bristly, "porcupine-like" appearance.
• Petal Structure: The individual petals resemble tiny canoes or quills, all pointing inwards toward the center, which gives the bloom a firm, almost prickly texture.

Colour:

• Light Blend (LB): It is classified as a Light Blend (LB).
• Color Palette: The bloom features a highly desirable, delicate palette of creamy blush, silvery pink, and subtle white/cream. The petals are beautifully accented with a richer shade of pink or fuchsia tips and edging, often becoming more pronounced on the reverse of the petals. The color tends to soften and lighten as the bloom ages.

Bloom Size: (Small (BB/M) to Novelty Size)

• Diameter: Blooms are petite, typically measuring 2 to 4 inches ($5$ cm to $10$ cm) across.
• The official ADS size classification can vary slightly by source, but it falls into the range of Novelty Double (over 2") or Small (BB), which is ideal for bouquets and intricate design work.

Plant Height:

• Medium-to-Tall: The plant typically grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet ($0.9$ m to $1.2$ m) tall, providing long, strong stems perfect for cutting.

Performance:

• Exceptional Cut Flower: This variety is highly prized by flower farmers and designers. Its unique texture makes it a fantastic accent flower, and it is noted for its fantastic, long-lasting vase life compared to many other dahlia forms (often quoted around 5 days).
• High Tuber Producer: It is widely considered a generous and reliable tuber producer, making it an excellent choice for beginner dahlia growers or those looking to expand their stock easily.
• Low Maintenance: The strong stems mean that this variety often does not require staking, simplifying garden care.
• Exhibition Quality: 'Valley Porcupine' makes regular appearances on the American Dahlia Society's "Fabulous 50" list of most frequent blue-ribbon winners, attesting to its structural excellence.

Please note that the listing is for one tuber.

• We guarantee you will receive a viable tuber true to variety, with an eye and healthy neck. Please examine your order immediately upon arrival and contact us via email (not social media) within 7 days if you see an issue with your order. After that 7 days the buyer accepts full responsibility for the tuber as we cannot be held responsible for improper storage, weather, growing conditions, pest damage, plant performance, failure to thrive or negligence.